"Maybe the media have put me under a lot of pressure and I've tried to respond to that.

"This time I haven't and I'm not going to. I'm going to enjoy it. I didn't enjoy the last ones.

"I'm going to make sure I take positive memories from this one."

It was always thought that an ankle injury was the reason behind Rooney's struggles in South Africa, but he says it was down to missing his wife Coleen and their son Kai, who was six months old at the time.

"The hardest thing about last time was I missed my family, and this time I've learned to deal with that," said Rooney, who confirmed his family will be coming out to Brazil later in the tournament.

"Of course I miss them, but I've learned how to deal with that."

The theory goes that this time the younger, emerging players will help ease the pressure on Rooney's shoulders.

Daniel Sturridge scored 21 goals for Liverpool last year, Raheem Sterling is in "breathtaking" form, according to manager Roy Hodgson, and the likes of Ross Barkley and Adam Lallana can have a big impact off the bench.

Rooney thinks this is the best England squad he has played in - and that is quite a claim seeing as he has played alongside the likes of Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Michael Owen.

Rooney believes the likes of Sterling and Sturridge will have Italy running scared.

"The Italian defenders put themselves in good positions but, if I'm being honest, when you play a high tempo they've struggled," the Manchester United forward said.

"The Italian league is nowhere near the tempo of the Premier League. Even when we played AC Milan, with (Alessandro) Nesta and (Paolo) Maldini as centre-halves, they really struggled when we've played a high tempo.

"If we can do that I am sure we will give them problems."

Unless he is struck down by injury or illness, he will start Saturday's game against Italy in Manaus, either on the left wing or in the no.10 role behind Sturridge.

Rooney complained in the past about playing out wide for United, but he would be happy to play there for England in a World Cup.

"I'm happy to play anywhere," he said.

"Whoever is playing No.10, wide or up top, the manager gives us the freedom to rotate."

Rooney is also sure Danny Welbeck will be fit for the game despite a thigh complaint.

"Danny will be fine," he said. "I am sure he will be ready for Saturday.

"He's just not risked anything in training today, so he'll train on Friday and he'll be available for Saturday I'm sure."

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